Danny Kedwell has returned from the summer meaner and leaner than ever before.

The Gills striker, who celebrates his 30th birthday on Saturday, has lost weight and spent the summer preparing himself for the biggest challenge of his career.

Kedwell has risen from Sunday League footballer to a leading striker with his hometown club.

And now he is about to taste life in League 1 for the first time.

“I am feeling the fittest I have ever felt,” said the 29-year-old. “I have that extra yard of pace and I am confident in myself. I have worked hard over the pre-season and if you work hard, you feel much better.

“There are going to be a few people excited about what I do this season.

“I had a break, just three weeks of resting, then I worked hard. I was in (the gym) every day working and I came back to training feeling good.

“I’ve lost a bit of weight and that was needed. If you step up, you need to work hard to make that next level. I have done that and am excited.

“It’s going to be a good season for me. It’s definitely the sharpest I have felt.”